"With huge shale gas discoveries in the US and Canada," LNG imports could be cheaper than other sources, said junior oil minister R.P.N. Singh, who added that transportation and the mechanism of determining LNG prices could affect the economies of LNG imports.

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By RAKESH SHARMA

NEW DELHI -- Indias oil companies are
exploring opportunities to invest in Canadas liquefied
natural gas projects and import gas from there,
junior oil minister R.P.N. Singh told lawmakers in a written
reply in lower house of Parliament Thursday.

With huge shale gas discoveries in the US and
Canada, LNG imports could be cheaper than other sources,
he said, but added that transportation and the mechanism of
determining LNG prices could affect the economies of LNG
imports.

He didn't provide more details on the companies' plans.

In May, state-run explorer Oil India said it was looking at buying
a stake in ConocoPhillips Canadian oil sands assets.

In November, state-run GAIL said it may spend as much as $1
billion over a year to acquire shale gas assets in the US and
Canada.

In a separate reply to lawmakers, Mr. Singh said local gas
output will fall short of demand by 292 million standard cubic
meters/day by the fiscal year ending March 2015, adding that
the shortfall will likely be met through LNG imports.